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CRITIK

King's Bounty II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of King's Bounty II
Item: King's Bounty II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 24, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

Developer1C Entertainment

Overview

The King's Bounty turn-based tactics series returns with King’s Bounty 2! In addition to the tactical depth fans expect from its combat, immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Antara with a whole new, non-linear narrative and deep RPG mechanics that give weight to your every decision.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of King's Bounty II are quite divided. Some critics, such as PlayStation Universe and Video Chums, find the story compelling and memorable, with elements of fantasy, political intrigue, and magic. They appreciate the hero's journey and the high fantasy world filled with mystery and intrigue. Eurogamer Italy also praises the story for offering interesting reflections and a satisfying narrative. These positive reviews highlight the strengths of the storytelling in King's Bounty II, which manages to engage players and create a memorable experience. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story. Finger Guns and Pure Nintendo criticize the story for being dull and uninteresting, with stilted dialogue and unimpressive voice acting. Screen Rant and Softpedia also mention that the narrative and story are not compelling or well-implemented. IGN Italia compares the narrative quality to games like The Witcher III and finds it lacking. These negative reviews point out the weaknesses in the storytelling, such as poor writing, lack of coherence, and generic tropes. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the compelling and memorable aspects of the story, others find it lacking in depth and originality. The opinions range from positive reviews that highlight the engaging fantasy elements and intriguing plot twists, to negative reviews that criticize the dullness, lack of coherence, and poor execution of the narrative. It is clear that the story of King's Bounty II has its strengths and weaknesses, and the overall reception among the critics is divided.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on King's Bounty II's story. Some praise its compelling fantasy elements and engaging plot twists, while others criticize its dullness and lack of coherence. Positive reviews highlight the memorable narrative, while negative reviews point out poor writing and generic tropes. Overall, opinions vary from engaging and intriguing to lacking depth and originality, making the reception of the game's story mixed.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of King's Bounty II are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praised the turn-based tactical combat system, with some describing it as enjoyable, deep, and strategic. The combat encounters were considered challenging and engaging, with diverse unit types and the need for strategic placement. Critics such as GameWatcher, Pure Playstation, and Pure Nintendo appreciated the tactical depth and the importance of managing morale, perks, and unit abilities. The combat system was also commended for its complexity and the variety of strategic concepts it introduced, such as positioning units and using different actions (MGG, Finger Guns). The ability to cast spells and the inclusion of different abilities and stats for units added excitement and depth to the combat experience (Everyeye.it, PC Games, GameCritics). However, there were also several criticisms regarding the gameplay mechanics. Some critics mentioned issues with the controls, describing them as clunky and difficult to grasp (Softpedia, Games.cz). The movement speed of the characters was frequently criticized for being slow and frustrating (Gamer.no, Universo Nintendo, ZTGD). The combat system received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it frustrating, unbalanced, and lacking strategic depth (Screen Rant, Universo Nintendo). The game's pacing was also a concern for some, with tedious backtracking and repetitive battles mentioned as negative aspects (GameWatcher, PC Gamer). The lack of combat and limited options for character development were seen as drawbacks by IGN, while GameSpace criticized the lack of combat breaks that could have alleviated the monotony of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of King's Bounty II has its strengths and weaknesses. The turn-based tactical combat system, with its depth and strategic elements, received praise from several critics. The ability to cast spells, manage unit abilities, and make strategic choices added excitement and variety to the battles. However, there were concerns about the controls, movement speed, and balance of the combat system. The pacing of the game, including repetitive battles and tedious backtracking, was also mentioned as a negative aspect. While some critics found the gameplay mechanics engaging and enjoyable, others felt that it fell short of their expectations for a game in this genre. Overall, the gameplay of King's Bounty II appears to have divided opinions among the critics, with some praising its strengths and others highlighting its weaknesses.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on King's Bounty II gameplay. Positives include praise for its deep tactical combat system and strategic elements like managing morale and unit abilities. However, criticisms mention clunky controls, slow movement speed, and unbalanced combat. Some found the pacing tedious with repetitive battles. While some enjoyed the gameplay mechanics, others felt it fell short. Overall, opinions are divided on the strengths and weaknesses of King's Bounty II gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of King's Bounty II are varied. Some critics praise the game's visual design, mentioning cute and carefully crafted locations, enchanting castles, ruins, and landscapes, and a colorful and bright aesthetic. The attention to detail in the world of Nostria is also highlighted, with eye-catching landmarks and scenic views present throughout the game. The use of the Unreal Engine is commended for creating a stable technical performance, and the world is described as beautiful, varied, and immersive. Critics such as Screen Rant, AusGamers, and GameStar appreciate the game's aesthetic and attention to detail, while Eurogamer Italy and GameWatcher find the graphics attractive but dated. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the game's graphics and visual quality. Common criticisms include outdated visuals, poor textures, lack of detail in character models and environments, and graphical glitches. Some critics, like Finger Guns, GameMAG, and Softpedia, mention specific issues such as clipping, pop-in, frame rate resets, downgraded graphics on certain platforms, and late-loading elements. The lack of life in NPCs and repetitive landscapes are also mentioned as drawbacks. Critics such as PlayStation Country and GameGrin find the graphics lacking in detail and compare them to previous console generations. The lack of optimizations for next-gen consoles and technical issues like rough textures and rendering problems are also mentioned by MondoXbox and PC Invasion. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed opinion on the Graphics and Visual Design of King's Bounty II. While some aspects of the game's visuals are praised, such as the attention to detail, beautiful zones, and overall appeal, there are also significant criticisms regarding outdated visuals, lack of detail in character models and environments, and technical issues. The game's graphics are described as modest, attractive but dated, and falling short of modern standards. The overall sentiment suggests that while the visual design has its strengths, there are notable flaws and room for improvement in terms of graphical quality and technical performance.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics and visual design of King's Bounty II. Some praise the cute and detailed locations and landscapes, while others criticize the outdated visuals, poor textures, and technical glitches. Overall, the game's graphics are described as attractive but dated, with room for improvement in modern standards and technical performance.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

45%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of King's Bounty II, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to be considered. Several critics praised the game's music and soundtrack, noting that it creates a great atmosphere and fits well with the fantasy setting (Eurogamer Italy, GRYOnline.pl, Pure Nintendo, Switch Player). The compositions by Raney Shockne, known for his work on Dragon Age Inquisition and Cyberpunk 2077, were particularly highlighted for their strength and quality (Eurogamer Italy). Additionally, the sound effects for units and spells were commended for their good quality (Cultured Vultures). However, the voice acting in King's Bounty II received mixed reviews. While some critics found the voice acting to be immersive and well-written (God is a Geek, Cultured Vultures), others criticized it for being stilted, lacking naturalness, and even laughable (PlayStation Country, TheXboxHub, XboxAddict, PC Gamer). The inconsistent quality of the voice acting was also mentioned, with some performances being distractingly bad (IGN). The dialogue delivery was described as flat and predictable by some (Pure Nintendo), while others found odd moments of incongruity in the dialogue (Cultured Vultures). Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of King's Bounty II leans towards the negative side. While the music and sound effects were generally praised for their ability to create a fitting atmosphere, the voice acting received significant criticism. Many critics found it lacking in quality, with some even considering it one of the worst aspects of the game (PlayStation Country, TheXboxHub, XboxAddict, PC Gamer). The inconsistent performances, stilted delivery, and lack of naturalness were common points of criticism. However, it is worth noting that there were a few positive opinions regarding the voice acting, highlighting the immersive qualities and well-written characters (God is a Geek, Cultured Vultures). Nonetheless, the negative feedback from multiple critics suggests that the Sound Design and Music of King's Bounty II fell short of expectations and did not meet the desired level of quality and immersion.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the Sound Design and Music of King's Bounty II. While the music and sound effects were praised for setting the right atmosphere, the voice acting received criticism for being inconsistent, stilted, and lacking naturalness. Some found it distracting and even laughable. Overall, the consensus leans towards the negative side, with many considering the voice acting one of the game's weakest points.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

53%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in King's Bounty II are quite divided. There are a few positive remarks from critics such as God is a Geek and Cultured Vultures, who appreciate the well-written and immersive voices in the game. They find the voice acting commendable and believe it enhances the overall experience. Additionally, Generación Xbox praises the inclusion of fully translated Spanish texts and menus, which is seen as a welcome addition for non-English speaking players. These positive comments suggest that there are some instances of quality voice acting in the game. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions about the voice acting in King's Bounty II. Many reviewers criticize the voice acting for being stilted, wooden, and lacking naturalness. PlayStation Country, PlayStation Universe, COGconnected, and Checkpoint Gaming all highlight the lack of emotion and response from the characters, which detracts from the immersion of the game. IGN and New Game Network point out the inconsistency in the voice acting, with some characters having pleasing delivery while others sounding like amateurs. PC Gamer goes as far as to describe the voice acting as worse than the writing, prompting the reviewer to switch to the Russian language option for a better experience. These negative comments indicate that the voice acting in the game falls short of expectations and fails to deliver convincing performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in King's Bounty II is subpar. Reviewers like GameSpew, Xbox Tavern, BaziCenter, GameOver.gr, PCGamesN, PLAY! Zine, Player 2, SpazioGames, and Digitally Downloaded all express disappointment in the quality of the voice acting, with some even considering it as one of the worst aspects of the game. They criticize it for being wooden, lacking personality, and even cheesy. The negative opinions outweigh the positive ones, suggesting that the voice acting in King's Bounty II is a significant flaw that hampers the overall enjoyment of the game. While there are a few instances of commendable voice acting, they are overshadowed by the overall mediocrity and inconsistency of the performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are split on the voice acting in King's Bounty II. Some praise its immersion and quality, while others criticize it for being stilted and lacking emotion. Negative reviews outweigh positive ones, with many highlighting wooden performances and inconsistency. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting falls short of expectations and hampers the game's enjoyment.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, King's Bounty II received mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, the Xbox One version of the game was generally praised for running smoothly and having stable frame rates, as mentioned by critics such as Generación Xbox and God is a Geek. The PC version also had some positive feedback, with critics like Cultured Vultures and WellPlayed reporting smooth performance on their rigs with only minor bugs encountered. However, the negatives outweighed the positives for the technical performance of King's Bounty II on various platforms. The PS4 version faced criticism for subpar graphics, clipping issues, pop-in, and frequent frame rate resets, as noted by Finger Guns and PlayStation Country. GameMAG mentioned downgraded graphics on console versions, particularly the Xbox Series S version, and criticized the slow movement speed of the character on foot. Jeuxvideo.com pointed out late-loading elements and ugly textures on both PS4 and Xbox One versions, while Softpedia mentioned a wonky camera, clunky controls, and missing features on the PS4 version. The PC version faced several technical issues, including frame rate drops, getting stuck on terrain, texture pop-in, janky controls, and cumbersome interface, as highlighted by critics like Everyeye.it, GameGrin, PC Invasion, and Riot Pixels. The Nintendo Switch version also suffered from poor performance, low resolution, frame rate drops, graphical issues, and inconsistent gameplay, as mentioned by critics such as NintendoWorldReport, Pure Nintendo, and Switch Player. Overall, the consensus among critics is that King's Bounty II had significant technical issues across all gaming platforms. Late-loading elements, ugly textures, and poor graphics were common criticisms across PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions, as noted by multiple critics including Jeuxvideo.com. The PC version faced additional issues such as frame rate drops, janky controls, and a cumbersome interface. The Nintendo Switch version was particularly criticized for its poor resolution, frame rate drops, and graphical issues. While some platforms had minor positives, such as smooth performance on Xbox One and some PC rigs, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical performance of King's Bounty II fell short of expectations on all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

King's Bounty II received mixed reviews for technical performance. Xbox One and some PC versions ran smoothly, but PS4, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch versions faced issues like poor graphics, frame rate drops, and janky controls. Overall, critics agree that the game had significant technical issues across all platforms, falling short of expectations.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of King's Bounty II are quite varied. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. PlayStation Universe praises the significant player choice and divergent experiences, which adds replay value to the game. GamingTrend mentions that the game offers three characters to choose from, each with different stories, making subsequent playthroughs potentially easier. Generación Xbox also emphasizes the impact of decisions on the story and the lengthy campaign with main and side missions, providing hours of gameplay. These positive aspects suggest that King's Bounty II offers multiple paths and choices for players to explore, enhancing its replayability. On the other hand, there are critics who express concerns about certain aspects that may limit the game's replay value. Finger Guns describes the side content as mundane and uninteresting, which can deter players from revisiting the game. Push Square criticizes the game for being unforgiving with the player's time, with dull side missions and constant save reloading required for story progression. Everyeye.it highlights the lack of cohesion and organization, as well as the poor execution of the fusion between the progression system and moral choices, which may hinder the game's replayability. These negative aspects suggest that certain elements of King's Bounty II may not provide a compelling enough experience for players to revisit the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed opinion on the replay value of King's Bounty II. While some critics appreciate the game's significant player choice, divergent experiences, and impact of decisions on the story, others express concerns about the mundane side content, lack of cohesion, and poor execution of certain systems. The presence of enjoyable side quests, deep combat mechanics, and addictive progression are mentioned by some critics as positive factors that contribute to the game's replay value. However, the lack of dialogue choices, repetitive missions, and tedious quests are mentioned as potential downsides that may limit the game's replayability. Ultimately, players who enjoy strategic gameplay, exploration, and the ability to make different choices may find value in revisiting King's Bounty II, while others may find the game's replay value less appealing.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of King's Bounty II. Some praise its player choice and diverse experiences, while others criticize mundane side content and poor execution of certain systems. The game offers multiple paths and choices for exploration, enhancing replayability for those who enjoy strategic gameplay. However, concerns about lack of cohesion and tedious quests may deter some players from revisiting. Ultimately, the game's replay value depends on individual preferences for deep combat mechanics and impactful decision-making.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of King's Bounty II are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praise the game's tactical combat system, diverse units, and strategic battles. Jeuxvideo.com, Generación Xbox, and GamingTrend all commend the engaging and challenging combat, with Jeuxvideo.com specifically mentioning the organic world design and army creation as strengths. The Games Machine also notes that the game successfully refreshes the classic formula while maintaining its strategic elements, offering a new and familiar experience for players. However, there are several negative aspects that critics point out. Many reviewers criticize the game for its technical issues, dated graphics, and lack of polish. Everyeye.it, Softpedia, and COGconnected highlight flaws in the game's technical aspects, such as facial animations, character designs, and poor animations. Gamepressure and Riot Pixels also mention the lack of dialogue options and unsatisfying ending as drawbacks. Additionally, several critics mention slow-paced gameplay, repetitive missions, and a lack of innovation as negatives. PlayStation Country, GameSpace, and Cultured Vultures all express disappointment in the game's lack of originality and failure to deliver a compelling experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that King's Bounty II falls short of expectations. While the game has some redeeming qualities, such as its tactical combat and strategic elements, it is hindered by various issues. The lack of polish, technical problems, slow movement, and complex combat are mentioned as factors that harm the overall appeal of the game. Critics such as Gamer.no, GameSpew, and Universo Nintendo describe the game as disappointing and lacking excitement or a polished experience. Cubed3 goes as far as giving the game a low score of 4 out of 10, criticizing it for not being true to its genre and not being recommendable for strategy/tactical game fans. Despite some positive aspects, the overall sentiment among the critics is that King's Bounty II is a missed opportunity and fails to deliver a satisfying and cohesive gameplay experience.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on King's Bounty II. Positives include its tactical combat and diverse units, praised by Jeuxvideo.com and others. However, reviewers criticize its technical issues, dated graphics, and lack of innovation. The game falls short of expectations due to its lack of polish, slow gameplay, and disappointing ending. Overall, critics find King's Bounty II to be a missed opportunity, lacking excitement and failing to deliver a cohesive gameplay experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

102 reviews found

Gamers Heroes

Aug 23, 2021